Saratoga Polo Press Releases

Saratoga Polo is Here to Stay
New Owners Announce 2004 Season and Expansion of Services

SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY, May 1, 2004 – Health, Horses and History. Another Saratoga tradition is saved. The three new owners of the Saratoga Polo Club are pleased to announce that polo is here to stay in Saratoga Springs. The new owners, Jim Rossi and Mike Bucci officially signed the deal today to purchase the club from current owner, Bill Ylvisaker.

“We could not be more thrilled,” said Jim Rossi. “In the last few years, polo has enjoyed an unprecedented increase in popularity and one of our goals is to spread the word that the game is accessible to everyone. It’s a myth that only the elite play and participate as spectators. Polo is the one sport that the whole family can be involved and have fun—and you can even bring the dog!”

The Saratoga Polo Club, which includes 42 acres of land, is located on the corner of Denton and Bloomfield Roads. “The fact that the games are played on the original field built by William Collins Whitney in 1898, and this club is one of the four oldest clubs in the nation, makes our new venture even more thrilling,” said Dean. “The beauty and speed of thoroughbred horses, the excitement and skill of team competition and summer in Saratoga—it’s an unbeatable combination and we want everyone to take advantage of it.”

The first tournament is the Saratoga Chamber of Commerce Cup beginning on June 18. Polo is played every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday evening through September 5, with gates opening at 5:30 PM.
In 2000, then owner, Ylvisaker made significant improvements to the facilities, including three new playing fields, irrigation systems and a field-side clubhouse and patio area complete with restaurant and bar service. “Bill’s improvements have made it possible for us to expand upon the services we provide our guests,” said Bucci.

The Saratoga Polo Club now comes complete with full-time catering and hospitality (on- and off-site) through a partnership with David Britton, co-owner of Springwater Bistro. “We want to be in the position to host national and international tournaments such as the US Open and the International Open, and hospitality is an added benefit.”

Saratoga Polo, now under new ownership, is one of the four oldest polo clubs in the nation, with a history dating back to 1898.